December 15, 2023

National Defense

Yesterday, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the annual defense bill which bolsters our national defense and ensures our military readiness on the world stage. As the United States faces unprecedented threats from adversaries like China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia, it is crucial to make smart investments in defense to support America’s position as the most secure nation in the world. Here are a few of the important provisions in this year’s package:

Supports Servicemembers and Their Families 

The NDAA included a 5.2 percent pay raise for our troops – the largest pay bump in more than 20 years. In addition, the bill authorizes a monthly bonus for junior enlisted members to counter the effects of inflation. It also improves access to mental health services and treatment options for post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries for our troops. 
 
The NDAA also included support for military families. Including, expanding reimbursements for relicensing or business costs for military spouses. As well as, funding for the construction of new schools for military children. 

 Strengthens Military Readiness 

The NDAA focuses on countering the potential threats to our country. First, the bill limits reductions to the number of U.S. special forces and increases funding for military exercises. It also prohibits reducing the number of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles below 400. On top of that, the bill improves our response to cyber-attacks that harm national security. 
 
China is one of our strongest adversaries. The bill prioritizes a U.S. focused supply chain. This is especially important for critical minerals and metals used for defense technologies. The bill also prohibits the Department of Defense from contracting with any Chinese Communist Party owned company.  

Helps Secure Our Borders 

Border security is national security. The bill provides the Department of Defense with support to help secure our border. Specifically, the legislation targets fentanyl trafficking. Additionally, the NDAA fully funds the deployment of the National Guard to support Border Patrol. 
 
Next steps: The House and the Senate have already passed this legislation. It will be signed into law in a few days.  

A Win for Wisconsin’s Dairy Industry 

Enjoying milk in Kenosha!

Wisconsin is America’s Dairyland for a reason. On average, Wisconsin produces nearly 32 billion pounds of milk a year! Wisconsin’s dairy industry generates $45.6 billion annually, and 23% of America’s dairy farms are located in Wisconsin.   
 
Under current requirements, only fat-free and low-fat milks are allowed in school meals. When schools aren’t allowed to offer a variety of milk options to school children because of burdensome government regulations, many kids will choose sugary caffeinated sodas and beverages. Kids should be able to drink the milk they enjoy – not just the milk the government tells them they can drink – and receive the nutrients they need. 

This week, I helped pass the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. I helped lead this legislation to allow schools to serve flavored and unflavored whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free milk in cafeterias to protect parental choice and give students the option to enjoy whole milk during school lunches.

 In Case You Missed It 

Last week,Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail officially became a unit of the National Park Service. This is great news for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. The trail’s new designation unlocks federal resources to ensure nature lovers can enjoy the Ice Age Trail’s 1,200 miles of lakes, rivers, and valleys for generations. I was happy to help these efforts to bring both more tourism and management resources to our state. 

On Wisconsin,

Bryan Steil
Member of Congress

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